Born in 1914, Mohamed Zahir Shah, the former king of Afghanistan now being touted as possible leader of a post-Taliban country, lives in a modest four-bedroom villa north of Rome. He was educated in Kabul and in France.

He was proclaimed king in 1933, a few hours after his father had been assassinated. He had previously helped his father and brothers reassert government control during a period of lawlessness and had served as a Minister. The young king took the title, 'Confident in God, Follower of the Firm Religion of Islam'. Afghanistan's monarchy had been established in 1919.

During the early years of his reign, power was actually exercised by his uncles, who ruled the country through the powerful office of Prime Minister. Throughout the Second World War and afterwards, the king helped steer the country on a path of neutrality. In 1953 his cousin Mohamed Daud became premier but Zahir Shah forced his resignation in 1963, after which he began to assert his own power to the full.

In 1964 he promulgated reforms which provided for a parliament, elections and a free press. Members of the royal family were also banned from holding public office. Parties were not strictly legal but tolerated. Social reforms included attempts to improve the status of women. Foreign aid flowed from both east and west but, apart from roads and irrigation projects, this help made little impact outside the Kabul area.

Throughout his reign many potential advances and reforms were stymied through factionalism and constant political infighting. Zahir Shah himself was frequently accused of indecisiveness. However, his reign did see a long period of peace to which many Afghans now look back with nostalgia.

During the early 1970s, however, Afghanistan was beset by drought and famine and the demands of Pashtun tribes along the border with Pakistan for autonomy.

Zahir Shah frequently travelled abroad and it was during one trip in 1973, while taking mudbaths near Naples for his lumbago, that he was overthrown. The coup was led by Mohamed Daud, who declared a republic and himself president.

Although it is almost three decades since he has seen his homeland the former king says he is more than willing to head a transitional government as head of state rather than king.